Bickleigh Pull Out on Eve of Season

Bickleigh have been forced to withdraw their first team from the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League Division One....

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....East before the new season starts this weekend.

The club's committee made the decision after a tumultuous summer in which management pair Alan Lewis and Graham Bedford left the club, with a slew of players then following suit.

In the end, only a small handful of players were left, leaving no choice for the club but to drop out of the league.

It is a sad end for Bickleigh, who were promoted from the Devon & Exeter League two years ago after enjoying a remarkable rise. And secretary Craig Mogford, who also took temporary charge of the side last season, has paid tribute to those who helped them scale the heights.

"A lot of people have stuck with the club over the years and it's horrible that we've been brought back down to earth with a bump," he said.

"We've done ourselves proud to get to this level and I only wish there was something we could do to continue.

"We've had an amazing journey and everyone who has been involved in that process should be proud of themselves."

The club will continue to run a side in the Devon & Exeter League Division Three.